REDS 4, BRAVES 2 Josh Hamilton and Jeff Keppinger hit consecutive home runs, and Bronson Arroyo (7-13) drove in a run for host Cincinnati. Arroyo (7-13) gave up six hits and two runs with three walks and five strikeouts.

ZIMMER PLANS RETURNDon Zimmer is planning to return for his 60th season in baseball next year.

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays' principal owner, Stuart Sternberg, has said that Zimmer, a senior adviser for the team, will have a job with the organization as long as he wants one.

''I would like to come back for my 60th year,'' Zimmer said yesterday. ''It would mean a lot.''

AROUND THE MAJORSGary Sheffield will be out of Detroit's lineup because of a sore right shoulder. Sheffield said he would be out for at least the remainder of the team's homestand, which ends Monday. That means he would miss the four-game series against the Yankees, which begins tomorrow. ...The Royals placed left-hander Odalis P?z on the 15-day disabled list yesterday with a left knee sprain. ... Philadelphia put the left-hander Cole Hamels on the D.L. with a strain in his throwing elbow. Hamels (14-5, 3.50 E.R.A.) said he expected to miss his next two starts.